Researchers have found that depression and anxiety can be transmitted between partners through shared mouth bacteria or kissing. A study of 1,740 newlywed couples in Iran found that when a partner suffers from depression and anxiety, they could change their healthy partner’s oral bacteria, leading to symptoms of depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances.
The study tracked the mental health of 268 healthy spouses and compared them to 268 partners who had depression, anxiety, and sleep problems. The researchers measured stress hormones, analyzed mouth bacteria using DNA sequencing techniques, and found that women were more susceptible to bacterial transmission.
After just six months of marriage, previously healthy spouses showed significant changes in their mental health scores, with their mouth bacteria resembling that of their depressed and anxious partners. The study suggests that certain bacteria linked to brain disorders can compromise the blood-brain barrier, affecting the brain and stress response systems.
While this study highlights the potential for bacterial transmission to contribute to depression and anxiety, it is essential to note that mental health conditions are complex and multifaceted. This article is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as a substitute for professional medical advice.
Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/health/if-your-partner-has-depression-anxiety-you-could-catch-it-by-kissing-them-says-new-study-101748059706402.html